Top 10 Best Laptops to Give for Christmas 2016

Whether your recipient is a student, professional, or simply someone who wants a capable laptop for general tasks such as web browsing and email, there are options for every budget and personality. If you’re not sure where to begin, consider some of the basics that many consumers keep in mind when shopping for a computer. Prices can vary widely depending on the laptop’s performance and features. For example, gaming laptops typically cost more than your average 2-in-1 laptop designed for simpler computing demands. You will also see a variety of platforms, including Chrome, iOS, and Windows.

Size and portability are other common concerns. In general, lighter and more portable laptops tend to have smaller screens and are ideal for students and frequent travelers looking to complete basic tasks on the go. On the other hand, a heavier laptop can be a good match for the serious gamer or professional who doesn’t often need to carry the laptop around.

This list has some of the best laptops to give for the holidays, but there are plenty more options available. If you want additional ideas, browse a wider selection of laptops on Amazon. You can also check out specific products such as 2-in-1 laptops and traditional laptops.

1. ASUS C201 C201PA-DS02 11.6 Inch Chromebook

This Asus computer offers a lot of bang for the buck and is a solid gift choice for those who want a well-rounded laptop for browsing the internet, checking emails, and other daily tasks. A Rockchip 1.8 GHz processor provides enough power and performance to keep up with daily demands. There’s also a 16 GB Solid-State Drive and a Chrome operating system. The LED-lit screen is 11.6 inches. Your recipient can open and edit Microsoft Office files and can also download Microsoft Office Online. This Chromebook doesn’t include a DVD or CD drive.

2. Acer Aspire S 13 Touch

A 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7500U processor ensures speedy and powerful performance that your recipient will appreciate for a wide range of computing tasks. This Acer features a fingerprint reader and a 13.3-inch full HD widescreen with an LED-backlit display. It also gets up to 13 hours of battery life, making it easy to take out to a local coffee shop or workspace. There are two built-in stereo speakers for enhanced sound. The laptop also stands out for its slim construction. Other highlights include an HD webcam, 256 GB SSD, HDMI and USB ports, and Bluetooth 4.0.

3. Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch Laptop with Touch Bar

The newest Apple MacBook Pro features an ultra-thin design for enhanced portability along with more power for a variety of computing demands. One hallmark feature is the large Force Touch trackpad, which your recipient can use to activate a variety of functions. There’s also a newly integrated touch bar with touch ID for easy and secure access and to open up a multitude of apps. This new Apple laptop is powered by a 6th-generation Skylake processor and features 256 GB SSD as a solid base.

4. HP Notebook 15-ay011nr 15.6-Inch Laptop

You can order this laptop by itself or with a mouse. Features such as a 1 TB hard drive, 8 GB memory, and a full HD 15.6-inch antiglare screen make this laptop an ideal gift. It runs on the latest Windows 10 operating system and features a Super-Multi DVD burner. An Intel Core i5 processor provides reliable speed and power for most daily tasks. This laptop also includes a media reader, USB 2.0, and an optical drive.

5. Dell XPS9360-4841SLV 13.3″ Laptop

A speedy 7th generation Intel Core i7-7500u 3.5 GHz processor and included 8 GB memory are some of the features that make this laptop a top choice for anyone who wants a serious computer. Other highlights include a touch display and 256 GB SSD storage. This Dell runs on the latest Windows 10 operating system for added convenience. The screen features a borderless infinity Edge display and a thin bezel to provide more screen space. There’s also a backlit keyboard, SD card reader, USB 3.0, and Bluetooth 4.1.

6. ASUS ZenBook Flip 13.3-inch Touchscreen Laptop

A 13.3-inch touchscreen display and 512 GB SSD are some highlights of this 2 in 1 laptop. It also comes with the Windows 10 operating system and features Microsoft Cortana Voice-Premium, which allows it to work better at a distance and in more difficult areas such as those with higher levels of noise. A full 360 degree rotation provides added flexibility and versatility, whether this laptop is used for the home, office, or dorm. Portability is another strong point, as it weighs less than 3 pounds and is less than half an inch thin. The screen stands out for its anti-glare properties and generous 178-degree viewing angle.

7. Lenovo Y700 Gaming Laptop

Essential gaming features such as a backlit keyboard and thermal cooling make this Lenovo laptop a top choice for gamers. An Intel Core i7-6700HQ 2.6 GHz processor provides enough power and performance to handle intense gaming demands. This laptop runs Windows 10 and gets up to 5 hours of battery life. Additional highlights include a 1 TB hard drive, 8 GB memory, and a 15.6-inch screen. JBL speakers and Dolby Home Theater combine to form a true gaming experience.

If you had something else in mind, check out more computers for a wider selection.

8. Microsoft Surface Book with Windows 10 Anniversary Update

The Microsoft Surface Book continues to stand out for its mobility, making it easy to carry to the office or classroom and to use at home. This latest version offers the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, which includes features such as facial recognition technology for faster and easier log-in along with Windows Ink workspace with features such as sticky notes, blank pages, and the ability to rapidly mark-up and share screenshots. The 13.5-inch display features 6 million pixels for crisp and clear details and images. The screen flips 180 degrees and can be attached to an integrated keyboard or used with the included Surface Pen for added convenience. An Intel Core i5 processor is included, but if you’re looking for even better performance, consider the Microsoft Surface Book with Performance Base. An older version of the Microsoft Surface Book is also available.

9. HP Stream Laptop PC 11-y010nr

A one-year subscription to Office 365 Personal, which includes popular programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with 1 TB of OneDrive storage makes this HP a solid choice for students and professionals. Other highlights include 4 GB memory and the latest Windows 10 operating system. This laptop is designed with portability in mind, from its thin and lightweight design to the fact that it gets over 10 hours of battery life. An improved 802.11 ac WiFi antenna promotes a faster and more reliable wireless connection. College students in particular will surely enjoy this laptop’s vibrant and eye-catching color. If you’re looking for something slightly larger, consider the 14-inch screen model.

10. Huawei MateBook

An 6th Generation Intel Core m3 processor and 8 GB RAM are some highlights of this 2 in 1 laptop. A speedy fingerprint sensor on the side lets users quickly and securely unlock the laptop. The Huawei MateBook is designed to travel and comes with its own keyboard. It’s also made for easy transportation from one location to the next, weighing in at less than 1.5 pounds. A 12-inch display features a 160-degree wide viewing angle and crisp colors.

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